Wildlife Conservation Costa Rica Project #42828

Improve conditions for our sea turtle heroes

by Asociacion Latin American Sea Turtles - LAST

Improve conditions for our sea turtle heroes

Project Report | Jan 16, 2026
Preparing the ground for another season

By Sasha Lees | Field Biologist

January marks a quieter time in Pacuare. The intense months of night patrols, nest relocations, and hatchling releases are behind us, but conservation work does not stop when the beach is calm. In many ways, this period is what determines how strong the next nesting season will be.

During these months, our team focuses on maintaining the foundation that allows us to operate year after year. Equipment is repaired or replaced, data from the previous season is reviewed and organized, and plans are put in place to improve nest protection for the coming months. Patrol schedules are evaluated, hatchery protocols are adjusted based on lessons learned, and new training materials are prepared for incoming volunteers.

Infrastructure remains one of our most pressing challenges. The tropical conditions of Pacuare continue to take a toll on our station, particularly on volunteer accommodations. High humidity and salt air accelerate deterioration, making constant maintenance unavoidable. Safe and functional dorms are not a luxury. They are essential for keeping volunteers healthy, rested, and able to perform demanding night patrols and daily conservation tasks.

Each volunteer who arrives at Pacuare represents additional eyes on the beach, faster nest detection, and better protection against threats like poaching and erosion. Providing them with reliable shelter directly translates into stronger conservation outcomes. This is why improving and reinforcing our facilities remains a priority as we prepare for the next season.

The off-season is also a time of reflection. In 2025, we were reminded how vulnerable sea turtle populations remain and how quickly setbacks can occur without sustained effort. Being present on the beach year-round helps ensure that when turtles return, we are ready to protect them from the very first nest.

Your support during this quieter time is especially important. Donations made now help us repair infrastructure, prepare equipment, and ensure that Pacuare remains an active conservation site when the nesting season begins again. Every contribution strengthens our ability to protect endangered sea turtles and to continue releasing thousands of hatchlings into the ocean each year.

Thank you for standing with us, not only during the most visible moments of conservation, but also during the months when preparation makes all the difference.

Links:

LAST website

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Sep 24, 2025
A fragile balance

By Jonathan Contreras | Field Biologist

The 2025 season at Pacuare Beach reminded us how fragile sea turtle populations are and how valuable every conservation effort is. This year, between March and September, we recorded 180 nests of leatherback, green, and hawksbill turtles, three endangered species that use this corner of the Costa Rican Caribbean as one of the few refuges where they can still nest. Thanks to the commitment of our team and volunteers, we were able to protect 91 nests, which were relocated to our sea turtle hatchery or to safer sites on the beach, representing the protection of more than 50% of the nests. Although this percentage was lower than that achieved in 2024, it reflects the multiple challenges faced during the season, such as coastal erosion, frequent rains, and, especially, nest poaching. Even so, conservation efforts have yielded positive results: nearly 2,000 leatherback turtle hatchlings, more than 100 hawksbill turtle hatchlings, and around 3,000 green turtle hatchlings are expected to be released in our hatchery. Each one represents hope for the future of their species, and each release was made possible thanks to the support we receive from people like you.

One of the most significant challenges of 2025 was the emergence of ant infestations in some of the nursery's nests. This reminded us that the fight for conservation is not only about fighting human action, but also about ecological threats that put hatchlings at risk. However, these challenges motivate us to continue improving: with your help, we hope to strengthen the nursery and expand patrols for the coming seasons.

Beyond nest protection, during 2025 we also carried out beach cleanups, collecting more than 832 kg of inorganic waste, which contributes to maintaining a safer habitat for turtles. We also trained more than 150 volunteers from around the world, who are now sea turtle ambassadors in their countries.
In terms of infrastructure, the project continued to operate normally, but the need to improve and expand our facilities and equipment remains an outstanding challenge. Constant maintenance of the hatchery, monitoring instruments, and volunteer accommodations is essential to sustain and increase our capacity for action in the coming seasons. We are also still awaiting repairs to our all-terrain vehicle, which is essential for patrolling and protecting nests in the most remote areas of the beach.

In terms of infrastructure, the project continued to operate normally, but the need to improve and expand our facilities and equipment remains a challenge. Constant maintenance of the hatchery, monitoring instruments, and volunteer accommodations is essential to sustain and increase our capacity for action in the coming seasons. We are also still waiting to repair our all-terrain vehicle, which is essential for patrolling and protecting nests in the most remote areas of the beach.
Each season is a race against time to find nests before poachers, to rescue hatchlings from erosion, and to ensure that Pacuare Beach remains a sanctuary. With your donation, we can protect more nests, release more hatchlings, and strengthen the project's infrastructure. You are part of this story: every contribution translates into patrols, hatchery materials, training, and, above all, thousands of tiny turtles reaching the ocean.

Links:

LAST website

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May 29, 2025
The cost of conservation

By Jonathan Contreras | Field Biologist

The 2025 season has represented a significant challenge for LAST's sea turtle conservation work in Pacuare. From the outset, we faced several logistical and financial challenges that compromised the project's basic operations. We had to invest again in repairing the station's electrical system, as several components were damaged, including some solar panels, batteries, and the solar inverter, which had to be replaced with new equipment. Likewise, the boat we used to transport personnel developed engine failures that required immediate repair. Furthermore, our all-terrain vehicle, key for patrolling the more remote areas of the beach, suffered a breakdown that we have not yet been able to fix due to a lack of funding.

These unforeseen expenses were added to the usual monthly costs, which include the acquisition of essential materials for daily work with the sea turtles, both at the hatchery and for beach patrols. These supplies include backpacks, latex gloves, flashlights, walkie-talkies, office supplies, veterinary equipment, measuring instruments, and marking and monitoring tools such as metal tags, pliers, PIT tags, and scanners. Without them, we would not be able to perform our work.

Despite the setbacks, thanks to the commitment of our team and the tireless efforts of our volunteers, we were able to complete the hatchery construction on schedule, at the end of March. This allowed us to relocate the nests to a safe location at the start of the season, significantly increasing the chances of survival for thousands of sea turtle hatchlings.

Likewise, we have managed to protect a significant portion of the nests so far this season, in addition to carrying out successful beach cleanups and waste separation. These actions not only contribute to improving the environment but also reinforce our efforts to conserve sea turtles in the area.
The support we receive for our project has a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of sea turtles. Each donation means more patrols, more protected nests, and more hatchlings reaching the ocean. Your support allows us to continue fighting for a healthier ocean and a future for sea turtles.

Links:

LAST website

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